If you spend enough time crocheting you will likely start to feel it in your hands. Constantly gripping your hook or the yarn can make your hands tired and achy. A lot of people use handles for their hooks to ease this pain, and some have even started making their own handles using polymer clay. Here are a few more details about making polymer clay crochet handles.
The clay
Polymer clay can be purchased at most crafts stores, and usually costs less than $3 for a two ounce block/brick. The number of handles you can make from a two ounce package depends on the design you make, and the thickness of your handle.
The tools you need
Polymer clay is very easy to work with, so you don't have to have specialty tools, although they are available. If you are just starting out with clay here are a few things you should have on hand.
- Cutting utensil: An old knife from the kitchen will do. You could also use a razor blade, box cutter, or exacto knife.
- Ruler: Or something else with a straight edge.
- Something to roll your clay out: Many people use a pasta roller for this portion of the job.
- Wax paper: To work on, and for easy cleanup.
- An old baking pan: Polymer clay sets after you bake it, so you need an old pan to bake your pieces in. Be careful not to use the pan for food after baking your clay pieces.
Making a design
Some people do very basic marble-like designs by mixing their clay together and pushing their hook into the clay rod/roll. However, the designs can get really elaborate. People have made polymer clay “canes” that look like everything from a puppy to a rose and everything in-between. The “canes" can be quite involved and can take several hours to create. If you are looking for a design to help you get started, there are a number of video tutorials available on YouTube. Here are a couple great ones you should check out.
Applying the “cane” to your hook
Once you have your “cane” completed it's best to let it chill in the refrigerator for half an hour to make it easier to cut. Then, you simply cut it into thin slices, and lightly push them onto your hook. You will not need to glue them in place. When your piece is covered, use your hands to lightly roll, and smooth out the pieces until they form a solid piece. After your handle looks just the way you want it to, follow the baking instructions on the package, then let it cool and you're ready to crochet again.
If you need help picking the right crochet hook for your project, check out the video below.
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